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BulbsHerbaceous Perennial

Albuca shawii

Shaw's albuca

A deciduous species with very narrow, fleshy, slightly sticky leaves and slender, erect flower stems, to 30cm, bearing many nodding, yellow flowers with green stripes for quite a long season in summer. Flowers are almond-scented, and foliage slightly aromatic

© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Albuca are bulbous perennials with linear or narrowly lance-shaped leaves and loose racemes of yellow or white flowers, with three spreading tepals and three forming a tube, each often marked with green or brown on the reverse

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa, Lesotho

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How to grow

Cultivation

Plant bulbs 8-10cm (3-4in) deep in spring. Any sunny position in a well-drained, fertile soil is suitable. Under glass, grow in containers of John Innes No 2 potting compost with added sharp sand and leafmould. A position in full light is ideal. Water moderately when the bulbs are in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. When dormant, keep bulbs dry

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64F) as soon as ripe or remove offsets when the plant is dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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